The van Heeckeren Legacy

Dr. Anna M. van Heeckeren founded one Health Organization. She is the daughter of Doris van Heeckeren, a renowned horse breeder and volunteer, and Dr. Daniel van Heeckeren, an avid sailboat racer and renowned heart surgeon at University Hospitals, who donated his professional services to low-income patients in Northeast Ohio. Dr. Anna's husband taught her about the importance of philanthropy and supporting causes that were deeply personal to her. Helping low-income pet owners access veterinary care is a way to continue the family’s community leadership legacy.

The van Heeckeren Legacy

Dr. Anna’s mother, Doris, surrounded herself with pets (dogs, cats, guinea pigs, birds, rabbits, and a hedgehog), barn animals (horses, sheep, a donkey, and a goat), and even llamas. She was an entrepreneur who founded Barlham Farm, a volunteer judge for the American Holsteiner Horse Association, an active member of the Swedish Cultural Society, and a gracious host of family dinners and community events held at Barlham Farm. It was no surprise that Dr. Anna got her love of animals, community, and friendship from her mother.

Wedding photo, 1994. Left to right. Dan van Heeckeren, Doris van Heeckeren, Dr. Anna van Heeckeren, and Ned Baker.

Dr. Anna’s father, Daniel, was a renowned surgeon, sailor, and volunteer. He was deeply involved in his community. From sailboat racing to supporting his wife's interests in horses, the Swedish Cultural Society, and family events at Barlham Farm, he enjoyed life. From volunteering his professional services to providing leadership for the practice of medicine, and hosting family dinners to joining the Swedish Cultural Society, he also enjoyed helping others. Dr. Anna got her joy in community service and medicine from her father.

Anna's extended family taught her about the importance of philanthropy. Without the support of the Dolphin Trust and now the Dolphin Donor Advised Fund, One Health Organization would not exist.